What if slowing down is our most productive move?

We Can Stop Normalizing Chaos

The Holidays …. More parties, more planning, more demands on your time, energy, and attention.

More. More. More!

For many women, the holidays feel like pressure to push harder, keep up, and “do it all,” and we lean deeply into our skills of getting‑things‑done, pushing forward, and showing up.

What if thriving this season isn’t about doing more, but about moving with intention instead of speed?

An intentional slower pace doesn’t mean falling behind, it means choosing focus, energy, and clarity over chaos.

Slowing down isn’t a weakness - it can actually be your most productive move.

Why Slowing Down Works

It might feel counterintuitive, but taking a step back can actually help us move forward more clearly and effectively. Before you roll your eyes and think, “Slowing down is a nice idea, but I don’t have time for that!” science shows us that it actually boosts focus, energy, and productivity.

Our brain thrives on focus, not frenzy - Multitasking is a myth. After a distraction, it can take 25 minutes to fully refocus. Constant multitasking or rushing through your to-do list doesn’t make you efficient it drains your cognitive resources [Georgetown University]

Stress kills productivity - High stress isn’t just exhausting, it lowers performance. High stress leads to lost work days and mental fatigue and research links stress and burnout to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism (the practice of showing up to work despite being unwell, injured, or otherwise impaired, resulting in decreased productivity and performance). [PMC]

Breaks boost output - Even small pauses reduce stress, maintain performance, and give your brain a reset, resulting in improved mental sharpness and reduce fatigue. One study found that a brief four-day break can have benefits lasting up to 45 days. [PMC]

How To Practice Intentional Slowing

How do we actually bring this slower, more intentional approach into your daily life?

Here are a few simple ways to start. These small shifts can create big changes in your energy, focus, and overall sense of ease. If you are just starting out with this idea, remember: This is a PRACTICE and with repetitive practice, these shifts come feel more effortless.

Pause intentionally

Time Blocking is an effective practice when it comes to our daily focused tasks. Set a timer for 50 minutes to work, then 10–15 minutes for an intentional break. Be sure to step away from the focused task and move around during break times (get your body moving!) before diving back into the next block of working time.

Remember: Pausing is important - give yourself permission to step back, even briefly. Your mind and body need it.

Prioritize what truly matters

Rather than defaulting to “I’ll do ALL the things,” pick elements that serve your Quality of Life: relationships, rest, meaningful work - not just “what everyone expects.” Ask yourself, “Will this action increase energy, clarity, joy - or just keep me busy?”

If the latter, you may be normalizing chaos.

A practical way to implement what matters most is to calendar the items, events and relationships that you want to prioritize. View those items as sacred, not easily re-scheduled, and of great importance.

Remember: What’s important to you and your life, is important. We thrive when we take time for quality activities and relationships, including the relationship with ourself.

Shift the narrative

Energy + Clarity > Busyness

Shifting this narrative is simply giving ourselves permission to slow down without guilt. It’s realizing that showing up fully - clear, focused, and energized - matters far more than checking off every item on our to-do list. Once we start seeing things this way, productivity feels lighter and more purposeful.

When we embrace this mindset, we create space for creativity, deeper connections, and sustainable results for our Quality of Life.

Remember: Busy seasons don’t have to mean spinning faster. They can mean shining brighter through doing less - by doing life in a way that lights you up and steadies you. When we drop the myth that there’s no time to slow down, we open the space for real quality of life.

Did You Know?

It can take 25 minutes to refocus after a distraction.

53% of workers report lower well-being during the holidays.

Short breaks improve productivity and clarity - even a 4-day mini-break can have effects lasting 45 days.

Quick Recap

Pause intentionally - take intentional breaks throughout your day.

Prioritize what matters - work towards alleviating busy work and tasks for everyone else.

Mindset matters - slowing down is powerful and often results in deeper connections and creativity.

BONUS: Your Holiday Productivity Hack

Audit your week - Identify one area where you usually rush and introduce a short pause.

Anchor to what matters most - Relationships, projects, or activities that energize you.

Flip your RSVPs - Before saying yes to everything, ask: will this boost my clarity, energy, and impact, or just add chaos?

Slowing down takes practice, but each intentional pause brings more clarity, energy, and joy into your life. Start small, notice the ripple effect, and give yourself permission to do less, but better.

Here’s to a holiday season that feels lighter, brighter, and truly yours.

– CHELSEA